China's lunar spacesuit makes public debut in SW China's Chongqing

China's lunar spacesuit makes its first public appearance at a forum in southwest China’s Chongqing, Sept. 28, 2024. (Photo provided by China Manned Space Agency)

(ECNS) -- China's lunar spacesuit made its first public appearance on Saturday at a forum in southwest China’s Chongqing.

The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) also launched a naming campaign for the suit during the opening ceremony of the 3rd Space Suit Technology Forum on the same day.

Spacesuits are vital for spaceflight, providing life support and operational assistance during launches, re-entry, and extravehicular activities, the CMSA said at the forum.

According to the CMSA, spacesuits are designed for exposure to the harsh conditions of space, including vacuum, microgravity, radiation, and extreme temperatures, allowing for greater lower body mobility of astronauts to walk, climb, and conduct scientific activities on the moon's surface. 

Research and development of the spacesuit began in 2020, inspired by traditional Chinese culture.

The red decorative bands on the arms and legs were designed to resemble flowing "Feitian" ribbons -- meaning flying deity in traditional Chinese culture. Its combination with the suit symbolizes traditional Chinese philosophy of harmonizing strength and softness. And the leg bands are shaped like the exhaust flames of a rocket, conveying the dynamic energy of space exploration.